Ancient and Modern ‎#89a

89a. While shepherds watched their flocks by night

1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the Lord came down,
and glory shone around.

2 'Fear not,' said he (for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind);
'glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and all mankind.

3 'To you in David's town this day
is born of David's line
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:

4 'the heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid.'

5 Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:

6 'All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to men
begin and never cease.'

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Author: Nahum Tate (1652-1715)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:1-20
• Topic: Angels; Children and All-Age Worship; Christmas; Christmas Day; Church Year: Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: WINCHESTER OLD
• Composer (attributed to): George Kirbye (c. 1565-1634)
• Composer (descant): Alan Gray (1855-1935)
• Meter: CM
• Key: F Major
• Source: In Thomas Este's The whole booke of psalmes, 1592; Possibly derived from Christopher Tye's The Actes of the Apostles, 1553